In July, in a post titled “An update
from Erika Ramirez,” I reported that – with our help - Erika did
raise the funds, and had written from Princeton to thank us for taking an
interest in her.

I wanted to let you know that I
heard from Erika again this week. She
wrote:

It has been a while since I have had the chance to write
to you as senior year has been really hectic and yet enjoyable at the same
time. I will always be appreciative of the interest and generosity you took
with me to make Princeton a reality, words will never be enough to express my
gratitude.

Well, as senior year is winding down I am finishing up my
senior thesis I had mentioned when we met. I have spent the last 7 months
researching [and] writing a paper under the guidance of a mentor and my English
teacher on the topic campaign reform.

This Friday at 8:00 A.M. I will be presenting this paper
to a panel of judges and a small audience in the Naples High School auditorium.
I would be honored if you would attend. I know its short notice but I thought
it would be nice to see you once again and for you to see what I have been
accomplishing this year. Please let me know if you would be interested in attending,
I know you are very busy and I will understand if you can not do so.

Thank you and my best regards,

Erika Ramirez

In order to quality for the Collier
County School District’s Advanced Placement Laureate Program, Erika
explained, “I have completed eight A.P. Classes and have a G.P.A. of
4.5. I have researched and written a 20 page paper and to receive the
diploma and to receive the $1,000 scholarship I must presented
to a panel and score at least a 4 of a scale of 6.”

Needless to say, I was thrilled to
hear from Erika, and look forward to attending her presentation tomorrow.

As I wrote last July, it’s nice to
know that sometimes it is possible to make a difference in someone’s life. If any of you would like to join me tomorrow
morning, let me know!